Survey: Welfare Reform and the Impact on Single Parents

The Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee monitors how welfare reform is implemented in Scotland. The Committee is conducting an inquiry on “The impact of welfare reform on women”. OPFS will be submitting evidence on the impact on single mothers, 93% of all single parents.

As part of our response we would like to hear from single parents about your experience of welfare reform.

There is no deadline for this survey as we aim to gather single parents’ views over the next 12 months.Please circulate the link to friends and networks.

Background

The coalition Government has made record cuts in welfare, totalling £22 billion a year. Single parents must now sign on for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) when their youngest child reaches the age of 5 and be available for and actively seek work, or face a sanction (benefit cut). Single parents with under fives are now feeling pressurised to take paid work. Many single parents on JSA move on to the compulsory Work Programme which can also initiate a sanction on benefit.

Most benefits and tax credits have increased by only 1%, which amounts to a 4% cut in real terms for single parents. The introduction of Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) both aimed at reducing the number of claimants has affected many disabled single parents. Universal Credit is starting to replace income-based benefits and tax credits for new working age claimants. Single parents will also be the biggest losers from Universal Credit.